Robot Operator

American Rheinmetall; Lansing (MI); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

American Rheinmetall is seeking a Robot Operator to support the robot cells on the manufacturing floor. The role emphasizes efficient operation, safety, quality, productivity, and on-time delivery to satisfy internal and external customers.

Responsibilities include loading and aligning parts, cycling per specs, operating the robot teach pendant, and performing weld consumable changes. The position requires familiarity with safety standards and 5S housekeeping on a production floor.

Qualifications

• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and work instructions.
• Familiarity with inspection methods and quality standards.
• Knowledge of safety requirements, environmental policies, AS9100, and ISO14001.
• Strong teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Must demonstrate the ability and willingness to obtain an overhead crane permit as part of job requirements.

Responsibilities

• Load parts into robot cell by locating fixture and align parts.
• Cycle parts in fixture per specifications and requirements.
• Understand robot teach pendant functionality and operate safely.
• Perform robot jogging and touch-up points for part quality.
• Ensure robotic cells operate safely with functional safety devices.
• Support lean initiatives and continuous improvement efforts.
• Perform welding consumable changes including tips and gas components.
• Monitor and adjust robotics wire feeder settings and drive rollers.
• Troubleshoot wire feed system components as needed.
• Maintain positive relationships and uphold 5S housekeeping.

Skills

Blueprint reading

Quality standards

Safety compliance

Teamwork

Problem solving

Overhead crane permit

Education

High School Diploma

Welding/Robotics certifications preferred

Tools

Robot teach pendant

Welding equipment

Job description

American Rheinmetall is a leader in the design, development, and production of advanced tracked and wheeled vehicles, vehicle systems, and critical components that support U.S. military modernization. Our expertise spans electronic and mechanical systems, fabricated structures, armored products, rubber solutions, and track systems, delivering reliable innovation to both defense and commercial markets. As part of the global Rheinmetall family, we combine proven heritage with forward-looking technology to provide solutions that defend and feed the world.

Job Summary

The Robot Operator is responsible to provide the necessary robot skills in an efficient manner that maximizes company assets in this area to support the Company in achieving optimal levels of safety, quality, productivity and delivery to assure internal and external customer satisfaction.

Essential Functions

• Loads part into robot cell by locating fixture and aligns part properly.
• Cycles the part in the fixture per specifications and requirements.
• Responsible for understanding the functionality of the robot teach pendant.
• Performs the robotic jogging functions on robot and can touch up points as needed to ensure part quality based on fit up.
• Ensures robotic cells always function within a safe manner and that safety devices are operational based on the tasks the cell is performing.
• Participate in departmental continuous improvement efforts and support/implement lean initiatives.
• Support the company’s mission, vision and values in performance of daily activities.
• Performs weld consumable change encompassing weld tip, nozzle gas, diffuser and wire.
• Monitors the robotics wire feeder and correct settings including drive rollers.
• Troubleshoots the wire feed system including liners, feeder, tips, and torch.
• Maintain a positive working relationship with all levels of the organization.
• Maintain high level of housekeeping in the work area, including 5S.
• Adherence to all company policies, procedures, external regulations and legal requirements.
• Other duties as directed by management.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (as demonstrated through experience, training and/or testing)

• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and work instructions.
• Familiarity with inspection methods and quality standards.
• Knowledge of safety requirements, environmental policies, AS9100, and ISO14001.
• Strong teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Must demonstrate the ability and willingness to obtain an overhead crane permit as part of job requirements.

Education

• High School Diploma
• Certifications related to weld/robotics preferred. Minimum of two (2) years’ experience or equivalent in related field. Understands Robot programs and all functionality. Basic Robot operations completion (in house or certificate that equals or exceeds from outside)

Experience

• Minimum of two (2) years’ experience or equivalent in related field. Understands Robot programs and all functionality. Basic Robot operations completion (in house or certificate that equals or exceeds from outside)

Background Prerequisites

• Must undergo and meet company standards for background check, employment verification, reference checks and controlled substance testing.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience in aerospace, automotive, or high-precision manufacturing.
• Experience with 5S or lean manufacturing practices.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

With or without reasonable accommodations, requires the physical and mental capacity to perform effectively all essential functions. In addition to other demands, the demands of the job include:

Physical Requirements

• Occasionally required to stand, walk, sit, use hands to handle tools, and reach with arms.
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

Repetitiveness

Tasks may involve repeated handling of parts and machine operations.

Work Environment

Manufacturing and production floor environment with exposure to machinery, noise, and overhead crane operation.

Hazards/PPE

Must wear required PPE and follow all safety and security protocols.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

American Rheinmetall provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sex (including pregnancy), gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or marital status, in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.